This nation was shaped by gunpowder.
That daring American spirit that fostered this country’s independence is the same one that prompts most of us to own a firearm and shoot fireworks.
Shooting fireworks inside the city limits on July 4 is the only form of civil disobedience tolerated at the Ingram household and to a certain extent it is endorsed.
Where would we be if our forefathers had been unwilling to break the rules 243 years ago in Philadelphia?
And in the newspaper business we have a character on our keyboard that we call a bullet.
It looks like this: •
It takes its name from the fact it looks like a bullet hole shot into a sheet of paper.
With Independence Day in full swing, pardon me if I exercise my Constitutional right and fire a few off!
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• We heard a lot of comments on the PeopleShores stories and photos in last week’s paper. Yes, it was a ribbon cutting, but this one was not just about a company, computers and jobs – it was about people. People that truly want to help make Clarksdale and Coahoma County a great place to live.
• There will be another economic development announcement next week in Clarkdale. The Town Wag told me someone needs to ask Chamber Director Jon Levingston what he has planned for August?
• Your Clarksdale Press Register sold out last week. I would like to tell you it is because of the brilliant ideas you find in my column. I think it had more to do with a $5 coupon for laundry soap, the PeopleShores announcement and the Coahoma Living magazine found inside.
• We sell most of our single copy papers over the counter at local stores. I tease people and say I’m trying to become a millionaire one dollar at a time. I’m way behind and I need your help.
• We get anonymous letters all the time. The political season usually has a few in our mailbox wanting us to “expose” this or that candidate. Let me explain something right now: My name goes on every article I write and I expect no less from some malcontent who wants me to do their dirty work.
• Yes, the county election is right around the corner, but I’ve actually heard people talking about city elections and we still have a year to go. Jobs, crime, unsightly houses, lack of affordable housing and of course potholes on city streets are hot topics this summer.
• Please read the Editorial just to the left titled “Lines of Liberty. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
• I head back home this weekend to share July 4th with my two brothers and Momma. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. That concept is America at its core.
• • •
I was raised in a military family. Patriotism and respect for our flag and country were not taught, it was modeled in front of me every day.
I hope when you take a bite of barbecued chicken tomorrow, dig into that potato salad or enjoy a nice cool refreshment, you will pause for a moment and remember those serving our country.
Right now there is someone from our community maintaining an aircraft, sailing on a ship or standing guard duty far away from home.
I’ve always felt the military was one of the most equalizing institutions in our country. I’ve always also felt Americans truly want to share our wealth and security with the world and make it better.
And while all Americans may not agree on how to do that, I think we can still agree on one thing: America is the greatest country on Earth.
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register and will listen to your Constitutional concerns any day of the week, but especially on July 4. He can be reached at 662-627-2201.
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